Registering a Death
This page will assist you with the process of registering a death. It includes clear steps, useful advice and guidance on what you need to do.
Useful information for registering a death.
What to expect when registering a death.
Deaths should be registered at a Registrar’s Office in the district where the person died. In most cases, this aligns with the local county or unitary authority, but it’s best to double-check. In expected deaths, the doctor who completes the Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (MCCD) will send it to the local Medical Examiner, who will scrutinise the certificate and contact the next of kin to discuss its contents. They will then pass it to the Registrar and you are then able to schedule an appointment to register the death.
At the Appointment, the Registrar will confirm receipt of the MCCD and generate the Certificate for Burial or Cremation (commonly known as ‘the Green Form’), which may be handed to you or emailed directly to the funeral director.
You can also request as many copies of the Certified Copy of an Entry of Death as you need. The Green Form is essential for the funeral to proceed, while the Certified Copy of an Entry of Death is used for legal and financial purposes.
The Registrar may also offer the Tell Us Once service, which notifies most government agencies in one go. Alternatively, the free Life Ledger service helps inform businesses of the death.
Variations depending on where the death took place.
The procedures for registering a death can vary depending on where the death occurred. Below is an outline of what to expect in each scenario.
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Hospital
When someone dies in hospital, a doctor will usually issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). A hospital team will guide you through the next steps, which may vary. It’s helpful to inform the hospital of your chosen funeral director, as they will liaise with them to arrange the transfer of your loved one. If the doctor cannot issue the MCCD, the death may be referred to the Coroner.
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Care or Nursing Home
Care home staff will typically discuss funeral arrangements with the family in advance. When the death occurs, a funeral director is contacted quickly to transfer your loved one into their care. A GP, usually associated with the home, will issue the MCCD. If this is not possible, the death may be referred to the Coroner. Please ask the home staff or your funeral director for advice on registering the death.
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Hospice
Hospice procedures are similar to those in hospitals and care homes, with some differences in how quickly the person who has passed away needs to be collected by the funeral director. A hospice doctor will usually issue the MCCD, but if this cannot be done, the Coroner may be involved. The hospice staff will guide you through their specific procedures.
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At Home (planned death)
If someone passes away at home after an illness, their GP will have likely discussed what to do when death occurs. The GP or medical practitioner may visit to confirm the death and will issue the MCCD. If the MCCD cannot be provided, the Coroner will be informed. Your funeral director will offer guidance on the registration process.
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Abroad
If a loved one dies abroad, the procedures will vary depending on the country. A specialist repatriation service can assist if the person who has passed away is to be brought back home, or the British Consulate can provide support for a funeral abroad. Your travel insurer may also offer guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The responsibility typically falls to a close relative of the person who has passed away. If no relatives are available, someone present at the time of death, the person responsible for arranging the funeral, or an official from the hospital or care home can register the death.
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No, deaths cannot be registered online. You must register the death in person at the local Registrar’s Office where the person passed away. In some cases, the death may be registered by declaration if you cannot visit the district where the death occurred, but you will still need to attend an appointment.
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In the UK, registering a death is free of charge. However, if you need the Certified Copy of an Entry of Death (often required for legal and financial matters), there is usually a small fee for each copy. This fee is cheaper at the time of initial registration.
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If a death is sudden, unexplained, or occurs under certain circumstances, the coroner may investigate to determine the cause of death. This will delay the registration process. Once the coroner completes their investigation and issues the necessary paperwork, you will be able to register the death and proceed with funeral arrangements. On some occasions, an interim death certificate, also known as a Coroner's Certificate of the Fact of Death, will be issued. This is a document that allows you to deal with a relative's estate and funeral arrangements while an investigation or inquest is ongoing.
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You will need the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which the Medical Examiner will have forwarded to the registrar. If available, it’s also helpful to bring the deceased’s birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate, and NHS medical card, though these are not always required. It is also useful to prepare details such as residential address and place of death, previous name(s), date and place of birth, occupation, and – if there is one - the date of birth of a surviving spouse or civil partner.
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The Certified Copy of an Entry of Death, often referred to as a death certificate, is a legal document confirming the death, and it’s often required for settling financial and legal matters. The Green Form (also known as the Certificate for Burial or Cremation) is given to the funeral director and is necessary to proceed with the burial or cremation.
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The funeral can usually be held as soon as the death is registered and the Certificate for Burial or Cremation is obtained. Timing can vary depending on personal preferences, religious customs, and availability of your chosen funeral director. Your funeral director can advise the likely timescales taking into account your particular circumstances.
Further Resources.
Below we have provided useful GOV UK links for further information regarding registering a death. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your local Freeman Brothers office and our team will support you through the process.
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Find out more
Cremation Regulations
Guidance and forms related to the cremation process, including the latest regulations introduced on 9th September 2024.
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Find out more
Death and Bereavement
A comprehensive government guide covering everything from registering a death to benefit payments for the bereaved.
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Find out more
Wills and Probate
Find essential information on handling wills and applying for probate, the legal process of managing a deceased person’s estate.
How much does a funeral cost?
Use our tool to estimate the cost of a funeral, helping you to plan your farewell within your budget.
